Women in Leadership: A Celebration of Strength, Empathy, and Resilience.

Women in Leadership: A Celebration of Strength, Empathy, and Resilience.

As we observe International Women’s Day, I would particularly like to reflect on the profound significance of women in leadership.

In a world where leadership has traditionally been dominated by men, the rise of women in positions of influence and authority is a cause for celebration and inspiration. From the classroom to the boardroom, from the halls of government to the front lines of activism, women leaders are making their mark and reshaping the future in amazing and meaningful ways.

Drivers and Contributions.

Drawing from personal experience in various cross-functional leadership roles, I can certainly say that leading entails navigating a complex terrain of challenges and being a woman adds another layer of complexity. I recall when I was was first promoted to executive producer at the age of 30 and responsible for leading an (older) all-male team. I remember thinking that my age and gender shouldn’t matter, yet it did. I was qualified for the task at hand based on my success track record and proactive posture. However, I realize now that I carried the burden of needing to constantly demonstrate my grit and capability, stemming from the perception that I had to prove myself to the ‘boys club’.

Instead of crumbling under the pressure of trying to ‘fit in’, I decided to focus my time and energy on building upon my strengths and not allow anything to stand in my way from achieving my goals. Rather than trying to fit a square peg into a round hole, I found myself gravitating towards other empowering women who wanted to see me succeed and vice versa. This was so powerful!

I also realized the pivotal role of empathy, representation, and collaboration among women and how paramount these pillars are in fostering inclusive environments and driving meaningful progress towards gender equality.

In this article, I chose to showcase the intrinsic value and unparalleled contributions that women offer as innovators, contributors, and leaders.

Smart with Heart?

A characteristic that deeply resonates with me is the immense capacity for empathy and compassion. Unlike traditional models of leadership that may prioritize competition and assertiveness, women leaders often excel at building consensus, fostering collaboration, and nurturing relationships. This empathic approach to leadership not only creates a more inclusive and supportive work environment, but also leads to better decision-making and outcomes.

Women leaders understand that true strength lies not in dominance or control, but in empathy, understanding, and connection with others.

We also provide a unique perspective, informed by our diverse backgrounds, experiences, and identities. As natural multi-taskers and problem-solvers, women leaders often excel at finding creative solutions to complex challenges and navigating ambiguity with grace and resilience. Whether it's breaking through glass ceilings in male-dominated industries or advocating for marginalized communities, women leaders bring a fresh and innovative approach to leadership that is essential, regardless of the circumstances.

Representation Matters.

Women at the helm, serve as powerful role models and mentors that inspire the next generation of girls and young women to pursue their dreams and ambitions. Seeing women in positions of leadership also sends a powerful message that anything is possible with hard work, determination, and perseverance. This is why I strongly advocate for women leaders to show up each day authentic, open, and vulnerable.

These attributes are not a sign of weakness; rather, they demonstrate profound resilience and fortitude.

In fact, when we share personal success stories or the valuable lessons learned from setbacks, we possess the capacity to motivate and inspire other women to embrace their individual strengths and abilities and to see beyond their own (self-imposed) limitations.

Better Together.

By joining forces, women leaders can leverage our ‘collective superpowers’ to address systemic challenges, advocate for gender equality, and champion initiatives that uplift women in all spheres of society. Together, women in leadership positions have the power to challenge stereotypes, break through barriers, and create a more inclusive and equitable world for future generations.

By fostering collaboration and mutual support, we can amplify our voices, catalyze change, and pave the way for a brighter and more abundant future for women everywhere.

By celebrating and elevating women's leadership on International Women's Day, we not only honor the contributions of women past and present, but also endorse our commitment to creating a more equitable and just world where EVERY WOMAN has the opportunity to THRIVE and SUCCEED.

Who’s with me?!